This is the philosophy of Community Shares of Minnesota, a funder of nearly 50 local nonprofits that are tackling hard issues at their core, rather than just addressing symptoms. Member groups focus primarily on improving access to education and healthcare, promoting human rights, securing safe and affordable housing, strengthening communities and creating change through the arts.
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Read MoreImagine if these amendments had not passed, where would we be today. Where would we be without all of the work of activists who came before us?
The First Amendment protects the right to freedom of religion and freedom of expression from government interference. Freedom of expression consists of the rights to freedom of speech, press, assembly and to petition the government for a redress of grievances, and the implied rights of association and belief. The Supreme Court interprets the extent of the protection afforded to these rights.
The Civil Rights Act of 1866 marked the first time Congress legislated upon civil rights in US History. It declared that all persons born in the United States as US Citizens. The legislation granted all (white) citizens the “full and equal benefit of all laws and proceedings for the security of person and property.” In addition, all (non taxed) Native American's were declared to be US Citizens.
The Women’s Right to Vote Amendment (1920) was the culmination of the women's suffrage movement in the United States, which fought at both state and national levels to achieve the vote. It took nearly 100 years to win this right, largely fought by grassroots female activists. While this was a huge accomplishment for women, it only applied to white women. It wasn't until the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which suspended the use of discriminating literacy tests and voter disqualification devices, that black women were finally allowed to vote.
Also refereed to as the 'Indian Citizenship Act' granted all Native Americans full US Citizenship. It was enacted partially in recognition of the thousands of Native Americans who served in World War I. This act granted US Citizenship to less than half of all Native Americans living in the US at the time.
Brown v. Board of Education (1954), now acknowledged as one of the greatest Supreme Court decisions of the 20th century, unanimously held that the racial segregation of children in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
The Civil Rights Acts of 1964 were proposed by John F Kennedy in 1963. This act outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, required equal access to public places and employment, and enforced desegregation of schools and the right to vote.
Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 is best known for is extending part of the Bill of Rights to individual Native Americans against tribal governments. This Acts goes farther than the language of the Bill of Rights in that it guarantees "equal protection of the law," something absent from the U.S. Constitution before the Fourteenth Amendment.
Roe v. Wade is the historic Supreme Court decision which overturned a Texas interpretation of abortion law. It made abortion legal in the United States, which was not legal in many states at the time. In addition, it held that a woman, with her doctor, could choose abortion in earlier months of pregnancy without legal restriction, and with restrictions in later months.
the Equal Credit Opportunity Act is a federal law that ensures all consumers and businesses are given an equal chance to obtain credit. This act made it illegal to discourage an applicant because of sex, marital status, age, race, or national origin, or because they receive public assistance. This act opened up many new opportunities for many US Citizens.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications, and governmental activities. ADA disabilities include both mental and physical medical conditions. A condition does not need to be severe or permanent to be a disability.
In 2015 The US Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples can marry nationwide, establishing a new civil right and handing gay rights advocates a historic victory.
EQUITY
Recent recipients of a $10,000 grant from Headwaters Foundation, Inquilixs Unidxs por Justica (IX) brings groups of tenants in Minneapolis’ worst housing together in order to analyze problems occurring in their living situations, and then strategize and organize around those problems to create affordable, dignified living spaces in Minneapolis.
DIVERSITY
Since 1995 Jewish Community Action (JCA) has been gathering to promote understanding and take action on racial and economic justice issues in Minnesota. JCA works in partnerships with local coalitions, interfaith initiatives, neighborhood groups, and minority and immigrant groups working for social and economic justice in our region from marriage equality, voter engagement, safe schools, & immigration rights
INCLUSION
Caring for the isolated elderly is something that Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly has been active in Minnesota for nearly 50 years. In 2018 683 volunteers met with 522 isolated elderly through one-on-one visits, friendship flower delivery, social activities, & LGBTQ elderly engagement.
THE ARTS
The only nonprofit of its kind, to serve youth experiencing homelessness through art in a long term way Kulture Klub Collaborative brings dignity and respect to young people as they enter adulthood. KKC gives youth opportunities to through workshops, artist-residencies, musical productions, and access to local art and music that helps them to grow in their life skills through art around Minneapolis.